Sweet potato soup with porcini mushrooms and heirloom carrot cream

Servings: 4 people

Calories per serving: approx. 350 kcal

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the soup:

• 500 g sweet potatoes

• 1 onion

• 1 clove of garlic

• 750 ml vegetable broth

• 200 ml coconut milk

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp ginger, freshly grated

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the ancient carrot cream:

• 200 g ancient carrots

• 100 ml almond milk or cream

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• Salt & nutmeg to taste

For the porcini mushrooms:

• 150 g fresh porcini mushrooms (or dried, soaked)

• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil

• 1 tsp thyme

• Salt & pepper

For serving & decorating:

• Fresh herbs (e.g. parsley or coriander)

• Roasted nuts (e.g. walnuts or almonds)

• A few drops of truffle oil (optional)

Preparation

1. Preparation of the ingredients

• Peel and dice the sweet potatoes.

• Finely chop the onion and garlic.

• Peel and chop the ancient carrots.

• Clean and slice the porcini mushrooms.

Pro tip:
When peeling ancient carrots, be careful to preserve the valuable pigment. It is best to scrape lightly instead of peeling deeply.

2. Cooking the soup

• Heat olive oil in a pot, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.

• Add sweet potatoes and briefly sauté.

• Deglaze with vegetable broth and cook until soft for about 20 minutes.

• Add coconut milk, turmeric, and ginger.

• Puree everything with an immersion blender until smooth.

• Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Pro tip:
For an even creamier consistency, strain the soup through a fine sieve.

3. Prepare the ancient carrot cream

• Cook the ancient carrots in lightly salted water for about 15 minutes until soft.

• Drain and puree with almond milk or cream, maple syrup, salt, and nutmeg until smooth.

Error correction:
If the cream is too thick, simply add a bit more milk or cream.

4. Sauté the porcini mushrooms

• Heat butter or olive oil in a pan.

• Sauté the porcini mushrooms with thyme briefly over high heat.

• Season with salt and pepper.

Pro tip:
Do not sauté the porcini mushrooms for too long, as they can become tough.

5. Plating & decorating

• Serve the soup in bowls.

• Place a spoonful of the ancient carrot cream in the center.

• Distribute the sautéed porcini mushrooms on top.

• Sprinkle with fresh herbs and roasted nuts.

• Finish with truffle oil if desired.

Decoration tip:
A few edible flowers add an elegant touch.

Food knowledge & history

Sweet potatoes:
They originally come from Central and South America and are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants.

Porcini mushrooms:
Porcini mushrooms have been popular in fine cuisine for centuries. Their intense aroma gives dishes a special depth.

Ancient carrots:
This historical variety of carrot is characterized by its deep purple to orange color and contains particularly high levels of antioxidants.

Durability & storage

• The soup keeps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Frozen, it is good for up to 3 months.

• The ancient carrot cream can be stored separately and should be consumed within 2 days.

• Porcini mushrooms should be processed fresh, as they spoil quickly.

Errors & corrections

The soup is too thick:

• Simply thin it out with a bit of vegetable broth or coconut milk.

The soup is too thin:

• Let it simmer longer or puree a piece of cooked potato into it.

Too sour?

• Balance with a bit of maple syrup or a pinch of sugar.

Mushrooms are too soft?

• Next time, let the pan get really hot and sauté briefly.

When to serve & what the soup pairs well with?

• Perfect as a starter for an autumn or winter dinner.

• Pairs ideally with rustic bread, roasted chestnuts, or game dishes.

• A glass of dry white wine such as Riesling or Chardonnay pairs well.

Nutrition & allergen friendliness

• Gluten-free: Yes

• Lactose-free: Yes (if almond milk is used)

• Vegan: Yes (with olive oil instead of butter)

• Vegetarian: Yes

• Nut-free: No (but can be adjusted by omitting the nuts)

Conclusion

This sweet potato soup with porcini mushrooms and ancient carrot cream impresses with its creamy consistency, the harmonious interplay of sweet, earthy, and spicy notes, as well as its healthy ingredients. Perfect for gourmets and health-conscious food lovers!